news-engine

Rangers predicted XI vs St Mirren as out of favour striker in contention and verdict made on defensive issue Here’s how we think Derek McInnes will set up his Rangers side at Ibrox Rangers face St Mirren this Sunday at Ibrox in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup as the search for manager Derek McInnes’ first win continues. The Light Blues fell short against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night in their Europa League qualifier, when a 3-2 aggregate loss culminated in an echo of boos around Ibrox Stadium. Their last domestic bout with Hibs prompted a similar reaction from the home crowd after losing a late winner in the 2-1 league defeat. To say it’s a ‘must-win’ against the Buddies in Rangers’ third successive Ibrox fixture would be an understatement. Only four competitive games into his Govan tenure, the tactics of McInnes have already been questioned. An injury to left back Tuur Rommens has left them light in this area with next to no cover. The Rangers boss deployed three at the back in the midweek defeat to combat this, before sticking right back Ross McCrorie over there as cover in the second half. The tweak didn’t have the desired effect as Rangers still looked susceptible to counter attacks, giving McInnes a fresh headache for the clash against the League Cup holders. At the other end, one goal from open play sums up Rangers’ exploits in forward areas thus far. With several issues in defence and attack to sort out, here’s how we think McInnes will set up his side on Sunday, using the 4-4-2 formation: GK - Ivor Pandur £6m signing has done nothing to lose his place after a solid start. Notably isn’t afraid to charge off his line to prevent counter attacks. RB - Ross McCrorie Hasn’t quite happened for him yet on his return. But the defensive injuries might give him a run in the team to find his feet. CB - Olwethu Makhanya South African has been impressive so far in an otherwise shaky back line. Has all the ingredients to be a quality centre-half. CB - Emmanuel Fernandez Out of form and hasn’t quite hit the levels of last season so far - but remains the first name on the team sheet at the back. LB - Dujon Sterling The utility man has played near-enough everywhere during his Rangers career so switching to left back from right back shouldn’t be an issue. CM - Dan Neil Despite not hitting the ground running as yet, the summer signing hasn’t shied away from responsibility in the middle of the park. Also is a much-needed leader in this area. CM - Nico Raskin With transfer noise slightly decreasing in decibels surrounding the Belgian, he looks to have rejoined the first team picture for now. RM - Thelo Aasgaard Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota was out on his feet in midweek and needs a rest. Aasgaard was substituted at half time so should be fresher, but would play a more central role. LM - Findlay Curtis Every time he’s came on for Rangers he’s looked sharp - putting quality deliveries into the box that no one is on the end of. Arguably deserves a start on Sunday. ST - Lawrence Shankland Club captain opened his account from the penalty stop against Jagiellonia, but the Ibrox faithful will be looking for more from him from open play. He’s the fourth choice striker - but with Youssef Chermiti out for the season and Ryan Naderi out of form - perhaps in a cup game he could be given a chance.